Israel News. Reports and Observations. 12 July 2026, 29 Tammuz 5786.
Contents:
1. Ranmses-2 of Egypt was red-haired!
2. Battle of Haifa: The Indian cavalry that freed the city in 1918.
3. Sanzer Rebbe: Most Israelis do not hate Torah learners.
4. Iceland, what happened to you?
Jewish Rabbi facing physical Intimidation in Scandinavia.
5. Jerusalem, Washington hit back on UN claims of rampant 'settler violence
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1. Ranmses-2 of Egypt was red-haired!
https://www.quora.com/?qv_src=email
https://curiousmindscircle.quora.com/What-are-some-little-known-facts-about-ancient-history
Lucie Renault (Extract)
But in 1974, a DNA test conducted by French scientists revealed what Ramses II looked like before his death and discovered that he did not have black hair; in fact, he was, as they say in Australia, a "ranga" - Someone with red hair. And not only that, but he also had no dark Mediterranean features; in fact, he was white, like an Irishman or a Scot.
In ancient Egypt, people with red hair were associated with the god Set, the murderer of Osiris, and the name of Ramses' father was Seti, which means "follower of Set." This could suggest that not only was Ramses II a redhead, but his entire family was also red-haired.
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2. Battle of Haifa: The Indian cavalry that freed the city in 1918
The Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers carried traditions older than most modern armies, and their courage shaped the destiny of a land far from their own.
https://www.jns.org/opinion/eliezer-avraham/battle-of-haifa-the-indian-cavalry-that-freed-the-city-in-1918
Eliezer Avraham
Indian Rajput soldiers in the British Army liberated Haifa from the Turks through a cavalry charge.
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3. Sanzer Rebbe: Most Israelis do not hate Torah learners
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/431490
Israel National News
Aug 10, 2026, 1:04 PM (GMT+3)
The Sanzer RebbeYonatan Sindel
The Sanzer Rebbe met Thursday with a young haredi man who was recently released after serving a prison sentence in military jail for refusing to enlist in the IDF.
During the meeting, which took place at the Rebbe's home in Netanya, he sought to encourage the young man and his family.
The Rebbe illustrated the challenges facing yeshiva students today by quoting historical remarks of his father, the late Klausenberger Rebbe, about prominent Jewish figures who endured imprisonment over matters of faith.
He explained that he had refrained from speaking publicly while the young man was behind bars, but chose to express his admiration for his steadfastness after his release.
The conversation also touched on the deep tensions surrounding the issue of haredi enlistment in the IDF and the ongoing friction with the authorities. As haredi leaders continue discussing future protest measures against what they describe as the "persecution of the Torah world," the Sanzer Rebbe devoted much of his remarks to the relationship between the haredi community and the broader Israeli public.
The Rebbe sharply criticized the conduct of the authorities and the media, saying they were deepening social divisions.
At the same time, he drew a distinction between who he described as "inciters" and the overwhelming majority of Israelis, with Kol Hai Radio quoting him as saying, "Most Jews in Israel possess a basic faith and do not hate Torah learners."
He added that he had witnessed this personally during visits to predominantly secular cities, where he met many residents who expressed respect for rabbis and Judaism.
Regarding the security situation and the war, the Rebbe said the national crisis has created confusion among the general public, while also leading many Israelis to seek more spirituality.
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4. Iceland, what happened to you?
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/431576
I came to Iceland loving one of the most beautiful countries on earth. I leave after repeated harassment, two physical assaults and moments when I feared for my life as a Jew. Op-ed.
by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
Aug 11, 2026, 8:18 PM (GMT+3)
EXTRACTS:
For nearly two weeks my family and I traveled through what is unquestionably one of God's great masterpieces. We drove beneath mountains disappearing into clouds, stood before thundering waterfalls, crossed black volcanic landscapes, watched glaciers descend toward the sea and experienced the surreal beauty of an island perched between Europe and America.
Iceland is magnificent.
But there was another Iceland that emerged during our visit - an Iceland I could never have imagined when I arrived. Again and again, I was recognized as "Rabbi Shmuley," the celebrity Jew and rabbi who is an outspoken supporter of Israel and confronted with hostility.
I was cursed. I was continuously and repeatedly called "baby killer."
One of the most disturbing incidents came in a bar.
I wanted to buy a beer. That's it.
Not deliver a lecture about Gaza.
Not debate Icelandic foreign policy.
Not ask why in ten days we had only seen five black people in a country that dares preach to Israel about tolerance.
Not lead a pro-Israel demonstration.
I wanted a beer. I was recognized, another confrontation ensued, and I was physically assaulted.
One of the posts I sent out during the trip described an attempt by Owens to publicize my family's presence and inflame hostility while we were already being confronted in Iceland. Candace Owens jumped into the fray from the United States and demanded that "Viking Power" evict us from Iceland.
You begin looking over your shoulder. You notice who is watching you. Your family notices.
A pleasant walk stops being a pleasant walk because you wonder whether the next person who recognizes you will say hello, scream "baby killer," or put his hands on you.
That is no way for any tourist to experience Iceland.
And it is certainly no way for a Jew to experience Europe in 2026.
I should not have to hide my yarmulke, conceal my Magen David, or surrender my voice in order to buy a beer safely in a European capital.
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5. Jerusalem, Washington hit back on UN claims of rampant "settler violence"
by Mike Wagenheim
Extracts:
https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/jerusalem-washington-hit-back-on-un-claims-of-rampant-settler-violence
"Calling it 'settler violence' is a provocation, which denies our connection to the land of Israel, and distracts from constant terrorist attacks against Israelis," said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
"This May, there were 348 Palestinian terrorist attacks in Judea and Samaria. Eight pipe bomb attacks, 282 stone-throwing incidents, 32 fire bomb attacks, 24 arson incidents and two serious car ramming attacks,": said Danny Danon, Israel's U.N. ambassador, noting that the high figure was higher than even the 325 recorded attacks in April. Over 400 more attacks were stopped by Israeli security forces preemptively, Danon said.
"How many of you have condemned these terrorist attacks against Jews? None of these numbers were reported by the briefers, and none of these attacks were mentioned by any of you," he continued. "This is the bias we are confronting today."